Thin film intumescent coating

Intumescent coatings are described in detail at Site applied protection materials.  Of the available fire protection materials it is these which are best suited to large scale off-site application. The coating can be applied either manually, generally in large heated sheds with good air movement, generally in large heated sheds with good air movement provided by large fans.

Off-site fire protection using intumescent coatings has a number of distinct advantages:

• Reduced construction time: Fire protection is often on the critical path of the construction program.  Off-site application removes it from this position with significant benefit in terms of increased speed of construction.  This was demonstrated in a study by the Steel Construction Institute.
• Reduced overall construction cost.
• Simplified installation of services.
• Application is carried out under carefully supervised conditions and so a high standards of finish, quality and reliability are achievable.
• The number of on-site activities is reduced.
• Site access and weather related problems are eliminated.
• The need to segregate areas of the building for site application no longer becomes an issue.

A document, Figure 29, to facilitate the specification, application and general use of off-site applied intumescent coatings, has been prepared in two parts containing general guidance and a model specification. This is available from the Steel Construction Institute.

At the time of writing, off-site application is thought to have captured 15% of the total fire protection in steel multi-storey new build in the UK.